How to convert FBX to USDZ
Need to convert FBX to USDZ? FBX carries meshes, rigs, cameras and animation between DCC tools; USDZ is best for iOS and Safari augmented reality. This guide covers exactly what survives the conversion, what you can lose, and the quickest reliable workflow.
What transfers and what you lose
- FBX materials are basic, so plan to rebuild them as PBR (base colour, roughness, metallic, normal) for USDZ.
- Animation and rigs can carry across, but always play back the result in the target tool, as bone and frame-rate handling differs between formats.
- Check units and scale after importing. FBX and USDZ workflows often assume different default units, which is the most common cause of a model arriving far too large or too small.
Recommended workflow
- Open your FBX file. Import the FBX file into a tool that reads both formats, such as Blender (free), Cinema 4D, Maya or 3ds Max.
- Check scale, units and orientation. Confirm the model is the right size and facing the right way before exporting. Fix the units now rather than in the target application.
- Set up materials for the target. Assign or rebuild PBR materials (base colour, roughness, metallic, normal) so they survive as USDZ.
- Export as USDZ. Most DCC apps cannot export USDZ directly: produce it with Apple's Reality Converter, usdzconvert, or Blender's USD export, then re-open the result to confirm geometry, scale and materials are intact.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to convert FBX to USDZ?
Open the FBX file in Blender (free), Cinema 4D, Maya or 3ds Max and check the scale and materials. Most DCC apps do not export USDZ directly, so convert with Apple's Reality Converter, usdzconvert, or Blender's USD export. It is free and avoids the quality loss of one-click online converters.
Will I lose anything converting FBX to USDZ?
FBX materials are basic, so plan to rebuild them as PBR (base colour, roughness, metallic, normal) for USDZ.
Why does my model come in the wrong size?
FBX and USDZ often assume different default units. Set the units explicitly on import and export, then verify the dimensions against a known measurement.
Related conversions
This is a free guide. Use the interactive 3D File Format Converter Guide for a tailored workflow, or let XO3D handle the production for you. XO3D is a UK-based CGI studio.